Cholera Outbreak in Nigeria’s Borno State Kills 74, Infects Over 7,800 Since May

A cholera outbreak in Nigeria’s northeastern Borno State has killed at least 74 people and infected more than 7,800 others since it began in early May, according to Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), as health facilities struggle to cope with the surge in cases.

MSF reported that 7,850 suspected cases had been recorded across 14 local government areas as of June 7, based on data from the state Ministry of Health, with infections continuing to rise daily.

The outbreak is placing severe pressure on an already fragile healthcare system in a region affected by a 17-year Islamist insurgency, widespread displacement, and poor access to clean water and sanitation, increasing fears of further spread if containment efforts fail.

MSF, working alongside state health authorities, has established a cholera treatment centre in Maiduguri, the state capital, to support response efforts.

“Every day, we see more people arriving with severe watery diarrhoea and dehydration, many of whom have travelled long distances to reach care,” said Bienfait Tombola, MSF project medical coordinator for the surge response in Maiduguri.

The organisation said it has treated 7,439 patients so far, averaging about 230 admissions daily, with more than 500 cases recorded on June 5 alone — the highest single-day figure since the response began.

Cholera, a waterborne disease, spreads rapidly in areas with limited access to clean water and sanitation. Authorities are preparing a vaccination campaign as MSF continues to expand treatment, hygiene support, and surveillance measures to contain the outbreak.